For exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. HOPI on 15-17 February 1944 in the assault area off the bridgehead at Anzio, Italy.

As a result of an enemy bomb hit on 15 February 1944, the Liberty Ship, S.S. ELIHU YALE, laden with gasoline and ammunition, burst into flames. Lieutenant Huff brought his ship alongside and directed the rescue of survivors and Fire-fighting. After approximately eighteen hours of sustained effort, the crew of the U.S.S. HOPI succeeded in extinguishing the fire although almost continually subjected to air bombardment, noxious fumes and exploding ammunition aboard the stricken ship. By this courageous action, in which the U.S.S. HOPI was unassisted, several lives were saved and the ship and a portion of its cargo were salvaged for further use against the enemy.

The able leadership, prompt and decisive action, and outstanding devotion to duty displayed by Lieutenant Huff reflected great credit upon himself and the Naval Service.

Owen W. Huff was born in Columbus, Ohio and entered the service from Cleveland, Ohio. He retired as a Lieutenant Commander. After World War II, the Navy assigned Huff to the prestigious command of the historic U.S.S. Constitution in Charlestown, Massachusetts. In 2014, his family donated his Naval Officer’s sword to the City of Columbus and it is currently on display at the National Veterans Memorial and Museum.